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Enlarge ImageRequest to buy this photoJason Bridge | USA TODAY SportsBengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins was named AFC defensive player of the week for having two sacks, six tackles and a forced fumble against the Steelers on Dec. 22.

CINCINNATI — Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins gets a lot of attention every time an opponent
watches video and tries to figure out how to contain him. His first selection as a Pro Bowl starter
shows what they think of him.

Atkins, an undersized lineman at 6-foot-1, is considered one of the NFL’s best at his
position.

Atkins, in his third season, was chosen as a Pro Bowl starter on Wednesday, his first such
honor, after being an alternate selection last season. He and receiver A.J. Green were voted as
starters, and four other Bengals players are alternates.

There wasn’t much talk about Atkins when Cincinnati took him in the fourth round in 2010 out of
Georgia. He leads all NFL interior linemen with 20 sacks over the past two seasons, including
121/2 this year.

“I want to get better and show the world that even though I am 6-foot-1, 300 pounds, I can still
be the best,” Atkins said.

His size worked against him when he came out of college; the NFL prefers taller linemen with
longer arms. But Atkins has learned how to use his size to his advantage, getting low and making a
push that’s hard to blunt.

He has become a dominating player.

“(Atkins’ sack total) doesn’t even tell the story,” Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth
said. “The real story is people turning on the film and seeing play-in and play-out how he disrupts
plays. Sometimes people just look at sacks and say he’s disruptive. The truth is he’s far more
disruptive than just sacks.

“Week to week, he takes over. Stats don’t tell you everything.”

Atkins is the most impressive player on a defense that has carried the Bengals to the playoffs
for a second straight season. Cincinnati (9-6) clinched a wild-card spot with a 13-10 victory last
Sunday at Pittsburgh. Atkins had two sacks and was regularly in the Steelers’ backfield.

The Bengals finish the regular season at home on Sunday against AFC North champion Baltimore
(10-5).As the Ravens watched video of the Bengals’ defense this week, one player stood out.

“Geno Atkins is a force out there,” running back Ray Rice said. “He by far is one of the best
D-linemen around. As a running back, you want to know where he is at all times because you don’t
want to cut back into his lane and let him make that kind of play.”

Atkins was honored yesterday as the AFC’s defensive player of the week for his performance at
Pittsburgh, which included six tackles and a forced fumble. He also is getting mention as a
candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, though he expects a defensive end or linebacker —
someone with more chances to get sacks — to get more consideration.

“They’re playing more of a glamour position,” he said.

Atkins was a first alternate for the Pro Bowl last season, when he tied for the lead among NFL
interior linemen with 71/2 sacks. He’s far and away the leader this season with 121/2 — Ndamukong
Suh of Detroit is second with seven.

“I think I’m finally getting respect around the league that I show out there on the field,” he
said.

He will have some company at the Pro Bowl.

Green, Atkins’ teammate at Georgia, was voted a starter as a rookie last season and made it
again — impressive for a receiver who is challenging Bengals records for a season. Green has 1,324
yards receiving this season, 116 short of Chad Johnson’s club record.

“Two years, two Pro Bowls. That’s got a good buzz to it,” Green said. “But I’ve got a long way
to go to be where I want to be. … I want to be mentioned with some of the best that ever played.
That’s what my goal is.”Whitworth and tight end Jermaine Gresham were voted first alternates.
Quarterback Andy Dalton and cornerback Leon Hall are third alternates. Cincinnati will play on the
road throughout the playoffs; its first-round opponent has yet to be determined.